Tangier day trip from Spain: how to plan it

Standing on the beach at Tarifa, you can see the mountains of Morocco across the water. A day trip to Tangier is one of the most memorable things you can do in southern Spain, and it is easy to organise.

Organised tour or on your own?

An organised tour

Tours from Tarifa, Seville and the Costa del Sol include the ferry, a licensed guide, lunch and usually a city tour with the medina, the Kasbah and sometimes Cap Spartel and a camel ride. They take the stress out of a first visit to Morocco.

On your own

Buy a return ticket for the fast ferry from Tarifa, which arrives at Tangier Ville port next to the medina. You can explore on foot, take a petit taxi to Cap Spartel and book a guide for a few hours.

A sample day

1. Take a morning ferry from Tarifa and walk from the port into the medina.
2. Explore the souks and the Petit Socco, then climb to the Kasbah.
3. Have lunch in the medina: try a tagine or fresh fish.
4. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.
5. Stop for mint tea at Café Hafa before your evening ferry back.

What to bring

• Your passport, which is required for the crossing
• Some cash: euros are widely accepted, but dirhams help for small purchases
• Comfortable shoes and modest clothing for the medina
• A layer for the ferry, which can be windy

Tips

• Morocco is often an hour behind Spain. Check the ferry times carefully.
• Allow time for passport checks on both sides.
• Decline offers from unofficial guides at the port politely and firmly.
• If you can, stay a night: Tangier is at its best in the evening, after the day trippers leave.